Interchangeable Garage Storage System

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable home storage system is provided for storing items in an organized manner off the floor that may either be constructed as an overhead storage rack system mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage or, utilizing the same parts, constructed as a combination wall shelf and wall storage system mounted to the wall of the structure. Therefore, a single home storage system may be provided that has multi-purpose components and multiple uses, and the user chooses whether to construct either an overhead storage system or a combination wall shelf and wall storage system utilizing the same multi-purpose components.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a modular garage storage system that utilizes unused ceiling and/or wall space to create additional storage in homes. More specifically, the present modular garage storage system is interchangeable between an overhead storage system and a combination shelf and wall storage system utilizing the same multi-purpose components.

BACKGROUND

There are many houses with a two car garage that have never had two cars in them. Instead of using that space to shield cars from the sun and harsh weather, the garage has become home to a collection of gardening and lawn equipment, tools, woodworking equipment, cast-off furniture and things that are no longer used, but are not throw away. Finding items that are needed in a cluttered garage is a complicated process. Usually, it starts with edging between the stacks of boxes and miscellaneous equipment. If the home owner is lucky, they may remember where this particular item was last, or which box it may be located. More often, it becomes a process of elimination that involves knowing what went into the garage during which time period and playing ‘hot, hot, cold’ until that person stumbles upon what they're trying to locate. Overhead and wall based garage storage systems can transform unused space in a garage into fully functional storage space.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an interchangeable home storage system, configurable as either an overhead storage system or a combination wall shelf and wall storage system utilizing the same multi-purpose components, is provided. In one embodiment, the interchangeable home storage system comprises a plurality of ceiling/wall mount members constructed of square tube material. Each ceiling/wall mount member is coupled to a ceiling wall mount bracket that is configured to both (1) secure the ceiling/wall mount member to a ceiling joist when used for said overhead storage system and (2) secure the ceiling/wall mount member to a wall stud of said structure when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system. A plurality of modular surface members are provided that are constructed of wire into a grid pattern. The modular surface members are configured to both (1) provide a support surface for storing items thereon when used for said overhead storage system and (2) provide a shelf surface when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system.

A plurality of adjustable inner tube members are provided for the interchangeable home storage system that are constructed of square tube material. The adjustable inner tube member are configured to both (1) fit within the interior of the ceiling/wall mount member and move in a telescoping manner relative thereto to form a rack support member when used for said overhead storage system and (2) connect to a frame rail member and mount to a wall stud of said structure when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system. A plurality of frame rail members are provided that are configured to both (1) couple to the adjustable inner tube member of a rack support member to support said plurality of modular surface members when used for said overhead storage system and (2) couple to said inner tube member when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system.

The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of various embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible overhead rack storage system;

FIG. 1A is an expanded view of a ceiling/wall mount and adjustable inner tube;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible overhead rack storage system of FIG. 1 in use;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a plurality of convertible storage shelves and a convertible wall storage comprising an illustrated example of a combination shelf and wall storage system;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a plurality of convertible storage shelves and a convertible wall storage comprising an illustrated example of a combination shelf and wall storage system of FIG. 3 in use; and

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible overhead rack storage system utilizing an extender kit to approximately double the size of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of constructing a convertible overhead rack system, a convertible storage shelf and a convertible wall shelf utilizing the same multi-purpose components in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known components or methods have not been described in detail but rather in a general manner in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included, if desired, in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that two or more references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” or “an alternative embodiment” or “one example” or “an example” in various portions of this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as desired in one or more embodiments of the invention. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a convertible overhead rack storage system 100. Convertible rack system 100 is constructed of multi-purpose components to be mounted to the ceiling of a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. Convertible rack system 100 provides a way to maximize a home's available storage space. Convertible rack system 100 is designed to make use of a garage's previously unused ceiling space, allowing home owners to store their items overhead and out of the way. The system is ideally configured for storing large or heavy items that otherwise can quickly fill a garage's available space. Plastic storage bins, or boxes that could quickly clutter available garage floor space fit perfectly on convertible overhead rack 100, helping to maximize available space.

The present modular garage storage system is interchangeable between an overhead storage system and a combination shelf and wall storage system utilizing the same multi-purpose components. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, convertible overhead rack storage system 100 is generally comprised of four rack support members and a rack member. In the illustrated embodiment, each rack support member is generally comprised of a ceiling/wall mount 105, 115, 125, 135 coupled to a ceiling/wall mounting bracket member 106, 116, 126, 136 respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, ceiling/wall mounts are coupled to the ceiling/wall mounting bracket member using a welded connection. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any means for connecting a ceiling mount to a ceiling/wall mounting bracket member may be utilized.

Ceiling/wall mounts 105, 115, 125, 135 are configured to be mounted to the ceiling of a garage using, for example, ceiling mount fasteners 107, 117, and shall be manufactured of a material strong enough to support the weight of the rack and the items that will be stored thereon. Adjustable inner tube members 110, 120, 130, 140 are disposed within the interior of ceiling/wall mount 105, 115, 125, 135 so as to create a plurality of telescoping rack support members, thereby adjusting the location of the rack member relative to the ceiling/wall mounts 105, 115, 125, 135.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, adjustable inner tube member 110 and ceiling/wall mount 105 are constructed of square tubing with a plurality of holes configured to receive a plurality of bolt assemblies (illustrated in FIG. 1 as inner tube fasteners 108). The square tubing of the ceiling/wall mount 105 is sized to be slightly larger in diameter than the square tubing of the adjustable inner tube member 110 so that the adjustable inner tube member 110 fits within the ceiling/wall mount 105 and is configured to move relative thereto in a telescoping manner. The telescoping relationship between the ceiling/wall mount 105 of rack support member relative to the adjustable inner tube member 110 allows a user to adjust the distance between the ceiling and the frame rail member 145 of the rack member. The bolt assemblies are inserted through matching holes in each, so as to secure the adjustable inner tube member 110 to the upper bracket member 140 in a user chosen position and thus form a single, rigid rack support member from the multi-piece construction of parts. A similar construction is contemplated for each rack support member. In a similar manner, the telescoping relationship between the ceiling/wall mount 125,135 of each rack support member relative to the adjustable inner tube member 130, 140 allows a user to adjust the distance between the ceiling and second frame rail member 146 of the rack member.

In the illustrated embodiment, a rack member typically comprises a first frame rail member 145 and a second frame rail member 146 configured to support a first modular surface member 150 and a second modular surface member 155. Rack member is configured to support any number of differing sized items utilizing first modular surface member 150 and second modular surface member 155. First modular surface member 150 and second modular surface member 155 are shown as grid members having an end bent at a 90 degree angle to provide additional protection for preventing items stored thereon from falling off, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable material/surface may be used for first modular surface member 150 and second modular surface member 155 without departing from the scope and spirit of the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the dimensions of the resulting rack member surface is approximately forty-eight inches by forty-eight inches, however, one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that any size resulting rack member may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the illustrated invention. FIG. 2 illustrates the convertible overhead storage rack system 100 in use, having a plurality of storage bins 165 disposed on the surface of the modular surface member 150, 155.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of grid stiffeners 160 are used to give support and strength to the first and second modular surface members 150, 155. Grid stiffeners 160 provide both additional structure to the first frame rail member 145 and second frame rail member 146 for purposes of strengthening each as well as support for items placed first and second modular surface members 150, 155 so that the grid members do not sag and become detached from the first and second frame rail members 145, 146.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a typical mounting relationship between a plurality of rack support members and a first and second frame rail members 145, 146 of a rack member. Rack member, and more specifically frame rail members 145, 146, are supported by foot supports 111, 121, 131, 141 coupled to the end of the adjustable inner tube members 110, 120, 130, 140 of each rack support member respectively. Frame rail member 145 is secured to the rack support members by a combination of a surface member clamp 112, 122 and a surface member clamp fastener 113, 123. Similarly, frame rail member 146 is secured to the rack support members by a combination of a surface member clamp (not shown) and a surface member clamp fastener (not shown).

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the interchangeability aspect of the illustrated garage storage system. Significantly, the same parts and components used to construct the convertible overhead storage rack 100 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1-2 are used to assemble the combination wall shelf and wall storage system illustrated and described in FIGS. 3-4. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, convertible storage shelf 101 is comprised of ceiling/wall mounts 105, 115 and modular surface member 150, each component also illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 1. Convertible storage shelf 102 is comprised of ceiling/wall mounts 125, 135 and modular surface member 155, also illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 1. Ceiling/wall mounts 105, 115, 125, 135 are configured to be mounted to the wall stud of a garage using ceiling/wall mounting bracket member 106, 116, 126, 136 respectively and, for example, the same ceiling mount fasteners 107, 117 shown in FIG. 1. Ceiling/wall mounts 105, 115, 125, 135 shall be manufactured of a material strong enough to support the weight of the shelf and the items that will be stored thereon.

In the illustrated embodiment, a shelf surface for the convertible storage shelf 101, 102 of the combination wall shelf and wall storage system typically comprises a first modular surface member 150 and a second modular surface member 155 respectively. Modular surface member 150 and modular surface member 155 are configured to support any number of differing sized items utilizing. First modular surface member 150 and second modular surface member 155 are shown as grid members having an end bent at a 90 degree angle to provide additional protection for preventing items stored thereon from falling off, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable material/surface may be used for first modular surface member 150 and second modular surface member 155 without departing from the scope and spirit of the illustrated embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, a convertible wall storage 103 of the combination wall shelf and wall storage system is comprised of adjustable inner tube members 110, 120 and frame rail member 145. Frame rail member 145 is connected to the adjustable inner tube members 110, 120, and the adjustable inner tube members 110, 120 are then secured to the studs of the wall. A plurality of hooks 171, 172, 173 are configured to be removably coupled to the frame rail member 145 to hang items therefrom. Hooks 171, 172, 173 may come in all different shapes and sizes and may be manufactured to support tools, sporting equipment and other miscellaneous items to name a few. A second convertible wall storage may be constructed utilizing adjustable inner tube members 130, 140 and frame rail member 146 (not shown). FIG. 4 illustrates a combination shelf and wall storage system of FIG. 3 in use. Specifically, convertible wall storage 103 is shown holding a broom 175, a shovel 176 and a rake 177 in the removable hooks shown in FIG. 3 and convertible storage shelf 101, 102 is illustrated supporting a plurality of storage bins 180.

FIG. 5 illustrates the use of an expansion kit to double the size of the convertible overhead rack storage system 100 shown in FIG. 1. Similar to FIG. 1, convertible overhead rack storage system 200 is generally comprised of rack support members and a rack member. In the illustrated embodiment, each rack support member is generally comprised of at least a ceiling/wall mount 205, 215 coupled to a ceiling/wall mounting bracket member 206, 216 respectively. Adjustable inner tube members 210, 220 are disposed within the interior of ceiling/wall mount 205, 215 so as to create a plurality of telescoping rack support members, thereby adjusting the location of the rack member relative to the ceiling/wall mounts 205, 215.

In the illustrated embodiment, rack member comprises a first frame rail member 225 coupled to a second frame rail member 230 using a rail connector 235. Similarly, a third frame rail member is coupled to a fourth frame rail member using a rail connector (not shown). The rack member is configured to support any number of differing sized items utilizing one or more first and second modular surface members 150, 155. The strength of the connection formed by rail connector 235 provides the means to allow the rack member to be shipped in a smaller container, since a single side rail member running the length of the first and second frame rail members would be twice as long as shipping them separate and connecting them together using rail connector 235 and a second rail connector (not shown).

While the methods disclosed herein have been described and shown with reference to particular operations performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these operations may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form equivalent methods without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the operations is not a limitation of the present invention.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. An interchangeable garage storage system, configurable as either an overhead storage system or a combination wall shelf and wall storage system, said interchangeable garage storage system comprising: a plurality of ceiling/wall mount members constructed of square tube material, each ceiling/wall mount member coupled to a ceiling wall mount bracket configured to both secure the ceiling/wall mount member to a ceiling joist when used for said overhead storage system and secure the ceiling/wall mount member to a wall stud of said structure when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; a plurality of modular surface members constructed of wire into a grid pattern, said modular surface members configured to both provide a support surface for storing items thereon when used for said overhead storage system and provide a shelf surface when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; a plurality of adjustable inner tube members constructed of square tube material, said adjustable inner tube member configured to both fit within the interior of the ceiling/wall mount member and move in a telescoping manner relative thereto to form a rack support member when used for said overhead storage system and connect to a frame rail member and mount to a wall stud of said structure when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; and a plurality of frame rail members configured to both couple to the adjustable inner tube member of a rack support member to support said plurality of modular surface members when used for said overhead storage system and coupling to said inner tube member when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system.
 2. The interchangeable home storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a first side rail member comprised of a first frame rail member adjacent to and abutting a second frame rail member, said first and second frame rail members removably coupled together by a first rail connector sized to overlap said first and second rail members where the rail members touch; and a second side rail member comprised of a third frame rail member adjacent to and abutting a fourth frame rail member, said third and fourth frame rail members removably coupled together by a second rail connector sized to overlap said third and fourth rail members where the rail members touch.
 3. An interchangeable garage storage system, configurable as either an overhead storage system or a combination wall shelf and wall storage system, said interchangeable garage storage system comprising: at least four ceiling/wall mount members constructed of square tube material, each ceiling/wall mount member coupled to a ceiling wall mount bracket configured to both secure the ceiling/wall mount member to a ceiling joist when used for said overhead storage system and secure the ceiling/wall mount member to a wall stud of said structure when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; at least two modular surface members constructed of wire into a grid pattern, said modular surface members configured to both provide a support surface for storing items thereon when used for said overhead storage system and provide a shelf surface when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; at least four adjustable inner tube members constructed of square tube material, said adjustable inner tube member configured to both fit within the interior of the ceiling/wall mount member and move in a telescoping manner relative thereto to form a rack support member when used for said overhead storage system and connect to a frame rail member and mount to a wall stud of said structure when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; and at least two frame rail members configured to both couple to the adjustable inner tube member of a rack support member to support said plurality of modular surface members when used for said overhead storage system and coupling to said inner tube member when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system.
 4. The interchangeable home storage system of claim 3, further comprising: a first side rail member comprised of a first frame rail member adjacent to and abutting a second frame rail member, said first and second frame rail members removably coupled together by a first rail connector sized to overlap said first and second rail members where the rail members touch; and a second side rail member comprised of a third frame rail member adjacent to and abutting a fourth frame rail member, said third and fourth frame rail members removably coupled together by a second rail connector sized to overlap said third and fourth rail members where the rail members touch.
 5. A method of providing an interchangeable garage storage system, configurable as either an overhead storage system or a combination wall shelf and wall storage system, said interchangeable garage storage system comprising: providing a plurality of ceiling/wall mount members constructed of square tube material, each ceiling/wall mount member coupled to a ceiling wall mount bracket configured to both secure the ceiling/wall mount member to a ceiling joist when used for said overhead storage system and secure the ceiling/wall mount member to a wall stud of said structure when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; providing a plurality of modular surface members constructed of wire into a grid pattern, said modular surface members configured to both provide a support surface for storing items thereon when used for said overhead storage system and provide a shelf surface when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; providing a plurality of adjustable inner tube members constructed of square tube material, said adjustable inner tube member configured to both fit within the interior of the ceiling/wall mount member and move in a telescoping manner relative thereto to form a rack support member when used for said overhead storage system and connect to a frame rail member and mount to a wall stud of said structure when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system; and providing a plurality of frame rail members configured to both couple to the adjustable inner tube member of a rack support member to support said plurality of modular surface members when used for said overhead storage system and coupling to said inner tube member when used for said combination wall shelf and wall storage system.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: providing a first side rail member comprised of a first frame rail member adjacent to and abutting a second frame rail member, said first and second frame rail members removably coupled together by a first rail connector sized to overlap said first and second rail members where the rail members touch; and a second side rail member comprised of a third frame rail member adjacent to and abutting a fourth frame rail member, said third and fourth frame rail members removably coupled together by a second rail connector sized to overlap said third and fourth rail members where the rail members touch. 